Yale Celebrates 20th Annual Diwali Puja with Over 400 Attendees

The Yale Hindu Students Organization hosted the 20th Annual Diwali Puja at the Omni New Haven Hotel on October 20, 2023, marking a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This event brought together over 400 participants, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as families, to honor the festival’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.

Celebrating Tradition and Community

Collaborating with the University Chaplain’s Office, the organization transformed the venue into a festive space adorned with flowers, diyas (oil lamps), and rangoli patterns crafted from colored powders. Guests enjoyed a traditional vegetarian dinner while participating in a puja, a Hindu worship ritual dedicated to Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Asha Shipman, director of Hindu life at Yale and the celebration’s organizer, emphasized the multifaceted nature of Diwali: “It is a worship service. It is a cultural event. It incorporates so many people’s memories of the traditions.” The evening also featured a performance by Yale Dhvani, a classical Indian music group, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Diwali is celebrated widely in India, where families illuminate their homes with oil lamps and share meals, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Participants at Yale received packets that explained the festival’s themes, including the pursuit of “Divine Knowledge” and the removal of negativity, such as ignorance and suffering.

A Space for Connection and Reflection

As the puja commenced, members of the Hindu Students Organization led the attendees in prayers and devotional chants, welcoming the goddess with warmth and reverence. Shipman remarked, “We treat the divine as if she’s a traveler coming a very long way over the dusty roads to where we are,” inviting attendees to engage in a communal experience that fostered spiritual connection.

For many students, particularly those unable to return home for the holiday, the event serves as a bridge to their heritage. Shipman noted that participating in familiar rituals helps students reconnect with their culture and spirituality, reinforcing a sense of belonging within the Yale community.

Reflecting on the evolving nature of the celebration, Shipman highlighted the importance of student leadership in rituals. “This is theirs. It’s ours, but it’s theirs to lead,” she said, empowering students to take ownership of their cultural traditions.

For Anjal Jain, treasurer of Yale Dhvani, the event was a cherished opportunity to continue family traditions, such as creating rangolis and decorating her home. Jain noted the strong presence of the South Asian community at Yale, which facilitates a shared celebration of Diwali.

The evening culminated in musical performances that featured traditional instruments like the mridangam and tabla, accompanied by Hindustani and Carnatic vocal styles. Ayush Iyer, president of the dance group, described the event as a peaceful gathering that allows participants to leave negativity behind and embrace the spirit of celebration.

Students like Milind Kapadiya expressed gratitude for the opportunity to find solace within a “tight-knit” community, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere of the event. “Everything at the Diwali, at the Omni, at Yale. Everything is left at the door, and everyone just comes as they are,” Iyer added.

The tradition of hosting religious events at Yale dates back to the 1990s, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting its diverse student body. The success of the 20th Annual Diwali Puja not only celebrates the festival’s rich heritage but also reinforces the significance of community and cultural connection at Yale.